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It is about celebrating!

It has come to my attention that the meaning behind the Big 5 Birthday Bashes that I have been working on ActiveRain are being misunderstood and it saddens me that this has happened. It is about our community, meeting the people we write to in person. It is about coming together, not dividing! The work that has been put into these has been long in process. It is difficult to imagine that there are people out there that who want to drive wedges into the community when they could act like adults and make the choice to either not come to a gathering or put aside professional differences and take the chance to meet some wonderful people

I do realize that I can not please everyone with these gatherings. I would have thought that if you had a problem, you would have said something to me. I do not appreciate the “alternatives” that have cropped up. Please in the future, voice your opinion early to help make the gathering the best it can be for everyone.

Each of the following people deserve a round of applause:

Jeff Turner was wonderful in Los Angeles.
Craig Schiller was fantastic in Chicago.
The Lovely Wife is gracious enough to assist me in Florida.
Luke Constantino and members of Sellsius are tireless in New York.

They helped me find venues, cake, a place for some people to stay and pointed out a few things about each area that could only be done by someone local. These are all things I could not have done by myself. I owe each of these people a debt of gratitude.

Image courtesy of samueljohanneswill em's photostream

Posted by Lydia Heaton on 06/19/2007 03:11 PM

Comments (20)

20 Comments on It is about celebrating!

JUN

2007

Lydia...

I am having FUN so a thank you is not necessary :)

Looooooove the pic :)

TLW...ROAR!

Good post.. I do not know about the rest of these people but the only thing I plan on driving... is the 4 hours it will take me to come to a get together that I am very excited to do a 2nd time and with more attendees. I am also staying overnight this time since I needed to leave the past one early.

I am there for a good time and that is it...not to solicit my business or be depressed..just a good time and anyone who wants to join me and I appreciate the efforts that were made to put this together. That is all I will say.

Thanks!

Lydia - I am so excited to get to be a part of the party in Orlando this weekend - I'm looking forward to meeting you and Matt in person and all the other AR members - thank you for thinking of this - is there anything I can do to make it better for you or TLW -I'm happy to help out.

If TLW's involved - it's gotta be a blast!!! Enjoy this milestone!!! AR will only be "One" once :-)!!!

It's going to be GGGGGGGRRRRRRREAT!

Heck, I'd be at them all if I could!

Lydia, I have no idea why anyone might misinterpret the meaning behind these gatherings. You have done such an incredible job picking liasons around the country and we so appreciate the work and effort that is going into each one. I loved seeing the reports after the events and all the pictures with all our friends. I can't wait to be there on Saturday and meet so many of the people I have learned to love.

Would you have ever imagined that this would have happened? You guys are awesome!

Lydia, that is a shame this is happening. WHY ?? I wish I could be at one, but had to attend a Memorial for my Uncle when the Chicago one was. But, when I see the pictures it is great. Hey, don't let the few spoil it for the many. That's absurb.

JUN

2007

BB..telll TLW...I'm bringing the blackberry!!

TLW and BB- I am so excited to come down to Florida!

Neal- It is people like you who make the network the place it is.

Cyndee- I think we have it all taken care of, but thanks for the offer!

Jeff- I wish you could too. I am SOOOOO SORRY that I missed yours.

Rick and Innes- I wish that I knew how people misinterpret the meaning behind these. It is difficult for me to have hard work just tossed aside. I take pride in my work.

Thank you for all of your good comments and thoughts and I look forward to meeting you.

Missy- There are bad apples in each bunch. I will do my best to not let it get to me.

JUN

2007

Anyone who has been to such a meet-up will attest to its heart and soul-- the connecting of human beings with each other. The virtual life connections pale in comparison to a handshake and a hug--- and glasses of wine raised together.

We look forward to the bash in NYC.

JUN

2007

Hi Lydia, I am looking forward to meeting you and Matt (and everyone else from ActiveRain). Know that you can call on me for any help you need. See you tomorrow!

Just one more person that wants to say thanks for all you have done!!!

Looking forward to Orlando - 4 of us will be in route in the morning!!!

JUN

2007

Lydia, Thank you, Matt and Caleb for coming to Orlando and meeting up with us. I know Midori and I had a blast! It was wonderful meeting the three of you and everyone else that showed. Thanks so much for everything you all do! You've been officially adopted in Florida :)

JUN

2007

Lydia. I Think it's an awesome thing to do...wanna come to New Hampshire???

I bet you all had a blast no matter what!!!

Lydia, until Lysa's post, I had no idea of any of this. Wow. I'm not understanding why anyone would do that, but I can add my name to the folks who appreciate the hard work you put into these. I wish I had been able to attend yesterday's gathering. It looks like it was fun.

Lydia, until Lysa's post, I too had no idea of this. But then Florida is about as far away as you can be from me. You may want consider an Alaskan trip to help encourage increasing our 'rainers from only 45 to many more. I would even comp rooms at my B & B for your entourage.

Lydia, small world. I graduated from Bothell High Class of 56.

JUN

2007

Grrrrr.....bark....bark.....grrrrr...bite. (that's my new thing...my english cocker spaniel who is on steroids right now biting those bad dividers!)

I'm glad you all had fun!

JUL

2007

Lydia,

Sorry I'm late to this on-line party. Guess there's a bunch of us that are clueless as to who or why. All I have to say is that the Chicago party was fantastic, thanks for all your work on it, and the negative people can enjoy their pity party as the rest of us celebrate together!

Thanks again,

Lucky :)

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